Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto de Zerbi has hailed his opposite number at Liverpool.

As the Albion get ready to take on the Reds in the Premier League, De Zerbi lavished praise on Jurgen Klopp.

With the German leaving in the summer, De Zerbi is one of many mentioned as a candidate to replace him.

“A lot of times I spoke about Jurgen Klopp I have big respect for him," he told Sky Sports.

“He's a big man, a big coach, an incredible coach.

“I'm sad because he leaves the Premier League, Liverpool.

“But for us, for younger coaches, for my period of young coaches Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola are the most influential coaches."